Software · head to head
RPG Maker MV vs Buildbox
RPG Maker MV
Software
Create 2D RPGs with ease. The perfect tool for indie developers
- From
- $79.99/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Buildbox has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: RPG Maker MV the free version is a 30 day trial only; Buildbox buildbox splits its editor into two separate paid product lines, Buildbox Classic and Buildbox 3, priced and sold as different products rather than tiers of one app (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
- They diverge on capability: RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Buildbox covers Visual game builder.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which RPG Maker MV and Buildbox actually diverge.
| Attribute | RPG Maker MV | Buildbox |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $79.99/one-time | Free |
| Pricing model | subscription | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web | Ios, Android, Windows, Macos |
| Founded | 1945 | 2015 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in RPG Maker MV
- Event-based system
- Database editor
- Tilemap editor
- Sprite animations
- JavaScript support
- Plugin system
- Built-in music library
- NPC dialogue system
Only in Buildbox
- Visual game builder
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Physics engine
- Animation system
- Monetization SDK
- Analytics integration
- Cloud compilation
- Template library
Both cover
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Ios support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
RPG Maker MV
- Making 2D role playing games and exporting to Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and HTML5not Buildbox
- Beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editornot Buildbox
- Side view battle system RPGs with mouse and touch inputnot Buildbox
Buildbox
- Mobile game creationnot RPG Maker MV
- Casual gamesnot RPG Maker MV
- Monetized gamesnot RPG Maker MV
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
RPG Maker MV
- The free version is a 30 day trial only
- The licence restricts bundled company materials to games created with the software and prohibits distributing them independently or combined with other programs
- Distributed games must indicate in attached documentation that they were created using the software and carry the Gotcha Gotcha Games statement of rights
- Extracting or modifying the bundled programs or assets out of a released game is prohibited
- Installing and using the software on three or more user devices is prohibited
Buildbox
- Buildbox splits its editor into two separate paid product lines, Buildbox Classic and Buildbox 3, priced and sold as different products rather than tiers of one app (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
- Buildbox Classic Plus is $57.99 USD per year and Buildbox Classic Pro is $137.99 USD per year; Buildbox 3 Plus is $97.99 USD per year and Buildbox 3 Pro is $297.99 USD per year, with a companion audio tool Soundbox sold separately at $49.99 USD per year (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
- The only bundle combining Buildbox 3 Pro, Buildbox Classic Pro, and Soundbox is a separate $447.99 USD per year Ultimate Bundle rather than a natural upgrade path (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
Pricing, plan by plan
RPG Maker MV
$79.99/one-time- Standard$79.99/one-time
- Full editor access
- Unlimited projects
- Asset library
Buildbox
Free- FreeFree
- Basic game creation
- Mobile export
- Community support
- Premium$19.99/month
- Advanced features
- Monetization tools
- Custom integrations
Which should you pick?
Choose RPG Maker MV if
- You need event-based system.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want database editor.
Choose Buildbox if
- You need visual game builder.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos.
- You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Questions people ask
- Is RPG Maker MV or Buildbox better?
- Neither clearly leads. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time and Buildbox at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, RPG Maker MV or Buildbox?
- Buildbox has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $79.99/one-time for RPG Maker MV and Free for Buildbox.
- Does RPG Maker MV or Buildbox run on more platforms?
- RPG Maker MV runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Buildbox runs on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos.
- Can I use Buildbox for free?
- Yes. Buildbox has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time.
- What is RPG Maker MV best used for?
- RPG Maker MV is most often used for making 2d role playing games and exporting to windows, macos, android, ios and html5, beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editor, side view battle system rpgs with mouse and touch input. Of those, making 2d role playing games and exporting to windows, macos, android, ios and html5 and beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editor are not what Buildbox is typically brought in for.
- What can RPG Maker MV do that Buildbox cannot?
- RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Database editor, Tilemap editor, Sprite animations. Buildbox covers Visual game builder, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Animation system. Both handle Mobile deployment, Windows support, Macos support, Ios support.